49ers Player Who Made Anti-Gay Comments Apologizes, Admits Words Were 'A Reflection Of Thoughts In My Head'

San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver has apologized for saying openly gay players would not be welcome in his team's locker room.

He admitted the anti-gay comments were "a reflection of thoughts in [his] head," but said he didn't realize how bad the comments were until he saw them in print.

Here's the full statement:

"The derogatory comments I made yesterday were a reflection of thoughts in my head, but they are not how I feel. It has taken me seeing them in print to realize that they are hurtful and ugly. Those discriminating feelings are truly not in my heart. Further, I apologize to those who I have hurt and offended, and I pledge to learn and grow from this experience."

Two days ago Culliver told comedian Artie Lange that gay players should stay in the closet until they retire. Here's the rest of what he said:

"I don't do the gay guys man. I don't do that. No, we don't got no gay people on the team, they gotta get up out of here if they do. Can't be with that sweet stuff. Nah…can't be…in the locker room man. Nah."

The 49ers denounced the comments, and said they have always supported the gay community. As a commenter on Reddit points out, the team was the first to make an "It Gets Better" PSA in support of LGBT youth who are victims of bullying: